Chicago police issue warning about armed catalytic converter thieves
CHICAGO - Chicago police on Saturday warned residents of the Austin neighborhood about the dangers of approaching thieves attempting to steal catalytic converters from vehicles.
While there is an understandable temptation to stop a thief in the act, especially if one observes their own care being damaged, police warned it can lead to a violent outcome.
Police cited two recent incidents where a person has interrupted a thief while in the act of stealing catalytic converter, and a firearm was displayed in both cases.
In one of the incidents, the person was shot twice.
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"Fortunately, the victim survived, but no one should rely on luck in life and death circumstances," police said in a statement.
How To Recognize a Catalytic Converter Theft
You'll likely to see a car (or two) double-parked next to or near the victim’s car. One offender will operate a handsaw and remove the catalytic converter while another offender or two keep watch.
These offenders are armed and are suspected to be operating stolen vehicles. They have shown no hesitation to open fire on anyone who engages them, firing numerous times.
These thefts typically take place at night and are done very swiftly.
Hybrids and SUV’s tend to be targeted more often than other vehicles.
How to Prevent a Theft
There are anti-theft devices and alarms available for sale online and through mechanic shops, parking in garages or inside gates deters thieves, and high temperature spray paint (the brighter, the better) can make your catalytic converter harder to sell and less likely to be taken.
What You Can Do
- Never engage a catalytic converter thief. Value your life over any and all property;
- Dial 9-1-1 immediately and remain on scene, if possible;
- DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK. Remain hidden. If safe to do so, you can take video from a safe location. Provide the video or a description of anything you observe to the police;
- Remember any unique physical characteristics (unique hair, scars, limp, tattoos, etc...);
- If approached by a witness to the theft, request contact information; and
- If the thieves leave anything behind, do not touch it, await police.